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US government investigates Stellantis over stalling PHEV minivans

US government investigates Stellantis over stalling PHEV minivans

July 31, 2022 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – July 31, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating incidents with Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) PHEV minivans that may stall while driving, even at highway speeds, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

If this investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 21,348 minivans, including the following: 

  • 2019 – 2021 Chrysler Pacifica  
  • 2019 – 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on July 22, 2022, following 40 complaints about vehicles stalling while in motion. 

According to the complaints, the PHEV minivans would lose power while traveling at speeds higher than 25 miles per hour (mph). In some cases, a charging system failure message would appear on the dashboard. Based on initial findings, the malfunction was related to a transmission issue.

Risks

If a vehicle stalls while driving, it could be hit from behind by oncoming traffic, especially on the highway. In addition, it may be difficult for passengers to get out of the vehicle safely in such situations.   

Other Chrysler Pacifica recalls 

Earlier this year, in February, Chrysler Plug-In hybrid vehicles were recalled over a fire risk, with vehicles suddenly bursting into flames. Apart from that, there was another fire-related recall affecting these minivans in June 2020.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation into the Chrysler stalling issue may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting over 20,000 minivans. To do a Chrysler recall check for your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis over stalling PHEV minivans
US government investigates Stellantis over unintentional braking

US government investigates Stellantis over unintentional braking

July 31, 2022 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – July 31, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating a series of incidents with Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) vehicles whose parking brakes may activate while driving.  If that happens, the car would stall and stop on the road, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

This investigation, if it leads to a parking brake recall, could affect an estimated 1.34 million 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokee SUVs. 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on July 22, 2022, following 80 complaints about unexpected and sudden handbrake activation in affected Jeep Cherokees.

These SUVs have an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), which allows the driver to activate it by a push of a button instead of pulling a lever. Parking brake activation is performed by an electric motor, with an EPB module controlling its operation. Based on initial findings, water may find its way into the module and cause electrical shorts. This could lead to unintended parking brake activation while driving.

It appears that Jeep was aware of the problem as early as 2016 when it issued dealer communication advising dealers to check for “corrosion” if there was an issue with the parking brake not releasing. There was also a recall issued in 2015 which dealt with short circuits inside the liftgate module caused by water leaks. Although the “symptoms” are unrelated, both modules are located in a similar area within the SUV.  

Risks

A vehicle that unexpectedly activates its parking brake may be hit from behind by oncoming traffic. In addition, a sudden activation may confuse the driver and cause it to lose control of the vehicle. 

Potential warning signs

Drivers have reported that either the parking brake or ABS light or “most warning lights” would come on prior to the handbrake activation. However, in some cases there was no warning.

Other Jeep recalls 

Apart from this ongoing investigation, there were several other Jeep Cherokee recalls in the past. Among them, the one from May 2022, caused by a transmission leak, is the most recent. 

In addition, some Grand Cherokee and Durango models also suffered from parking brake issues, leading to a recall in June this year. 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation into the Jeep electronic parking brake issue may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting over 1.3 million vehicles. In the meantime, you could do a Jeep recall check for your vehicle using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis over unintentional braking
Ford sued over Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire

Ford sued over Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire

July 24, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI – July 24, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is being sued over allegations that it should have known that the vehicles it recently recalled were defective and that it waited too long to launch the said recall.

The allegations are based on reports of fire and consequent damage which plaintiffs experienced even when the vehicle was turned off.

The lawsuit is coming on the back of a recall for the following vehicles:

  • 2021 Ford Expedition
  • 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The events that led to this Ford lawsuit  

Vehicles listed above can catch fire while driving or when parked and turned off. In total, 21 SUVs have burst into flames so far, with one of the events leading to an injury. 

Ford first recalled 39,000 of these models in May 2022. The manufacturer, however, did not reveal the source of the problem or the fix for it. Instead, it advised drivers to “park away from structures.”

Earlier this month, the recall was expanded to 66,221 cars, according to a press release. The cause of the issue is believed to be defective “printed circuit boards” which are “uniquely susceptible” to short-circuiting and fires. The repair for some of the vehicles will involve replacing the vehicles’ electronic circuit control center and only one-third of the recalled vehicles can be repaired now.

The allegations

A total of 22 plaintiffs sued Ford on June 7 in the Michigan Eastern District Court and amended the complaint earlier this month on the back of the recall expansion. They are claiming that Ford’s approach to the recall and the fire issue are inadequate in several ways.

First, Ford “either knew or should have known” of the fire defect before it launched the vehicles but “did nothing” to warn consumers of it. Instead, it waited “months” to launch the recall.

In addition, while the fix for the majority of the cars is not available, the manufacturer made no attempts to provide loaner vehicles or offer reimbursements to the owners who still have to make payments on the purchase. These are now considered unusable by some owners because of the risk of fire. 

Lastly, there is a worry that not all affected vehicles are included in the current recall. This claim is backed up by the case of one of the plaintiffs whose 2021 Ford Expedition XLT burst into flames in front of his home last month. This particular vehicle, however, is not a part of the recalled population, because it was built in December 2021, while the recall only includes cars built between July 27, 2020 and August 31, 2021.

The plaintiffs are alleging that by engaging in the actions described above, Ford violated multiple state and federal consumer protection laws, including the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

The asks 

In this Ford engine fire lawsuit, plaintiffs are looking for “restitution,”  including the reimbursement of the purchase price of the vehicles, as well as any damages and other costs associated with the lawsuit. 

They are also asking for a jury trial to help decide their case. 

Recall risks

Vehicle fires carry several risks, as described in this article about a Hyundai fire-related recall.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

Over 66,000 Ford and Lincoln SUVs are affected by this Ford recall lawsuit. However, this number might increase in the future. To check on other Ford Expedition recalls or Lincoln Navigator recalls, go to MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord sued over Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire
Volkswagen recalls vehicles with exploding airbags

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with exploding airbags

July 17, 2022 Bojan Popic , ,

Auburn Hills, MI  – July 17, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, is recalling 28,624 sedans over an issue with airbags made by Takata. These airbags may either explode and propel metal fragments toward passengers or fail to inflate as intended. Both situations increase the risk of an injury during a crash.

This recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S government investigation, which has seen over 2.5 million vehicles being recalled so far. It is, however, different from the much larger Takata airbag recalls which are caused by a different type of inflator.

This latest recall covers the following models:

  • 1998 Audi A8
  • 1997 – 1998 Audi A4

Recall summary

Because of a manufacturing issue, the airbag inflator can absorb moisture. This can cause it to either deploy slowly during a crash or rupture and send metal shards flying toward vehicle occupants. 

The component behind this recall is the “the driver airbag inflator” with part numbers 4B0.951.403 and 4B0.951.403 A. 

Different Takata issues, same risks

Even though this recall is technically different from the “much larger and ongoing Takata airbag recall” – which has resulted in at least 28 deaths and 400 injuries – it presents the same risks.

The difference stems from the type of inflator which is used in these airbags. The inflator which is responsible for deploying this particular type of bag is called the Non-Azide Driver Airbag Inflator (NADI). Unlike the Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN) – which is considered a “highly combustible and unstable chemical”  – NADI inflators were deemed generally safe until 2019.

However, that year, Takata issued a recall for NADI inflators saying that they too had the potential to rupture and hurt car occupants with metal shrapnel. 

So far, the issue has resulted in at least two deaths and several serious injuries and has caused nine recalls across five different manufactures, including this one. 

It is also subject to an ongoing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation. 

Recall risks

Improperly inflating airbags can provide insufficient cushioning during a crash, and exploding airbags may send shrapnel into the cabin. Either problem could result in injury or death.

Background of this recall

The Audi A8 and Audi A4 recalled cars should have been included in a larger 2020 recall, but were omitted due to a “clerical error.”

Other Volkswagen and Audi recalls

This recall is similar to previous Volkswagen Takata airbag recalls. Some newer Audi models have also suffered from airbag failures, although this issue has a different cause.

The repair

Dealers will replace suspected airbag inflators with updated ones. This repair will be free of charge. Audi has already notified affected owners of the recall. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Audi airbag recall affects more than 20,000 vehicles. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls vehicles with exploding airbags
Ford recalls SUVs and pickup over risk of fire

Ford recalls SUVs and pickup over risk of fire

July 17, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI  – July 17, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 100,689 hybrids whose gasoline engines may fail, causing them to burst into flames. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall comes on the heels of 23 owner complaints and includes the following models equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Ford Escape 
  • 2020 – 2022 Lincoln Corsair
  • 2022 Ford Maverick

Recall summary  

All listed models have an active grille shutter feature, a series of air flaps that seals the engine bay to improve aerodynamics. On affected vehicles, the 2.5-liter engine may suffer from a catastrophic failure “due to manufacturing issues” that results in a ruptured engine block or oil pan. The hot engine oil, which escapes through the resulting holes and gathers up on the metal shield under the engine, may burst into flames.

Warning signs

In an event of an engine failure, drivers may notice an unusual rattle from the engine bay or a lack of power. A strong smell of burning oil is another tell-tale sign. If the driver detects any of these signs, they should pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible.

Recall risks

Vehicle fire that occurs while driving carries several risks, as explained in this Kia recall. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of at least 23 driver complaints received by Ford. No injuries have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

Ford already had issues with engine fires with their larger SUVs, which resulted in a recall that took place in May 2022. In addition, there was a Ford Maveric recall in April, caused by trailer brake issues. 

The repair

To rectify the issue, dealers will modify the active shutter grille and the metal shield under the engine. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between August 8, 2022, and August 12, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford engine fire recall is affecting more than 100,000 vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls SUVs and pickup over risk of fire
Hyundai issues second recall of Ioniq hybrids over risk of fire

Hyundai issues second recall of Ioniq hybrids over risk of fire

July 10, 2022 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – July 10, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 10,575 hybrids that may catch fire due to overheating under their rear seats, increasing the risk of crash and injury. 

These vehicles were already repaired due to the same issue in 2018, but are being recalled again on the back of at least 9 fires post-repair. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Affected vehicles include: 

  • 2017 – 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
  • 2017 – 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid

Recall summary  

All hybrid vehicles listed here have a relay, or a switch, which is a part of their electrical system underneath the rear seats. The purpose of the switch is to connect and disconnect “ the battery and the inverter… wiring.”

Due to a supplier error, connectors on these relays could be loose. This increases electrical resistance and causes the relay to overheat, which can, in the worst-case scenario, result in  a vehicle fire. 

The components causing this recall are the power relay and the main relay within it, with part numbers 37514-G2100QQH and 37583-A8000QQH.

Recall risks

An in-vehicle fire that happens while driving or when parked carries several risks. This includes crashes, injuries and property damage. 

Background of the recall

These cars were already recalled over this issue in 2018.

However, starting in 2021, Hyundai began receiving reports of some of the repaired vehicles catching fire. Upon investigating, the manufacturer found that at least some of the vehicles still had original relays in them, despite “repair history displaying” that the relays were switched.

On the heels of that information, the new recall was initiated.

Other Hyundai recalls

Both Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia are subject to a U.S. government investigation over ongoing fire issues. The investigation has so far resulted in 16 recalls, 8 for each manufacturer, according to the federal auto safety regulator, the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) data.

The regulator is currently evaluating whether the manufacturers will need to recall more cars and whether or not the remedies performed under these recalls were sufficient, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect previously installed relays and replace them if needed. This repair will be free of charge. Notifications will be sent to the owners on August 26, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Hyundai fire recall is affecting more than 10,000 hybrid vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai issues second recall of Ioniq hybrids over risk of fire
Nissan recalls trucks that may roll away

Nissan recalls trucks that may roll away

July 5, 2022 Bojan Popic

Franklin TN – July 5, 2022 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 180,176 trucks whose transmissions may slip out of Park and roll away, increasing the risk of crashing into pedestrians or other vehicles. This recall includes the following vehicles: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Nissan Frontier 
  • 2020 – 2022 Nissan Titan

Recall summary  

When the driver selects the Park gear, a mechanism inside the transmission locks up and stops the vehicle from moving. In affected trucks, the Park gear mechanism might not engage as intended due to a supplier error during manufacturing.

This may cause the vehicle to roll away.

The component causing this recall is the automatic transmission, with part number 31311 X280A.

Recall risks

As in similar recalls, vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury from a resulting crash.

Safety tips

If your truck is affected by this recall, Nissan advises that you use the parking brake every time you park.

Other Nissan truck recalls

Among other Nissan Titan recalls, one from September 2021, caused by faulty signal bulbs, is the most recent. 

In January 2022, a large number of Nissan Rogue SUVs were recalled over faulty electrical wiring, which could result in a vehicle fire. 

The repair

At this time, Nissan is working on a solution to this problem. Owners will be notified once the final remedy is available.

In the meantime, interim notifications will be sent to owners on July 20, 2022, urging drivers to use the parking brake whenever they park their vehicles.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Nissan rollaway recall affects more than 180,000 trucks. To do a Nissan recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNissan recalls trucks that may roll away
Nissan recalls SUVs with fly-open hoods

Nissan recalls SUVs with fly-open hoods

July 2, 2022 Bojan Popic

Franklin, TN – July 2, 2022 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 322,671 2013–2016 Nissan Pathfinder SUVs whose hoods may fly open while driving. This obstructs the driver’s field of view, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

This recall follows on the heels of a U.S. government investigation.

Recall summary

The hood on a vehicle is held shut by two mechanisms: the primary latch, which is released when the driver pulls the lever inside the cabin, and the secondary (safety) latch, which is manually released under the front edge of the hood. 

On vehicles affected by this Nissan Pathfinder recall, dust and dirt from the road may create buildup inside the secondary locking mechanism. If that happens, the mechanism may jam in an open position. While the hood will remain securely closed, nothing will stop it from flying open if the driver accidentally pulls the primary latch release lever while driving. 

Background of the recall

These hood latch issues were investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in December 2021, as reported.

The 2014-2016 Pathfinder Hybrids are also subject to the same investigation, which is still ongoing.

Recall risks

In addition to significantly limiting visibility, a suddenly opening hood may startle the driver. This could lead to a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Other Nissan recalls

A Nissan recall from October 2021 addressed software-related stalling and included Murano, Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles.

In January 2022, Nissan recalled a large number of Rogue SUVs over a risk of fire caused by wiring issues, as reported.

The repair

At this time, the manufacturer is still working on a solution. As a first step, 40,000 owners will be asked to bring their SUVs to a dealer that will inspect the latch assembly and replace it if necessary. Nissan will collect the faulty components for examination. Owners of these vehicles will receive notifications on or after June 30, 2022.

The remaining owners will receive instructions on how to inspect the secondary latch. If a problem is found, owners can visit a dealer for inspection and replacement. Notifications about this temporary solution will be sent by August 3, 2022. 

Lastly, all owners of affected vehicles will be notified once the final remedy is ready.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Nissan Pathfinder hood latch recall includes more than 300,000 SUVs. Use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to do a Nissan recall check.

Bojan PopicNissan recalls SUVs with fly-open hoods
Stellantis recalls Durango, Grand Cherokee SUVs that may roll away

Stellantis recalls Durango, Grand Cherokee SUVs that may roll away

June 28, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – June 28, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns Jeep and Dodge brands, is recalling 270,904 vehicles with a fault in the brake control system. The malfunction can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall includes the following SUVs:

  • 2018 – 2019 Dodge Durango
  • 2018 – 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Recall summary  

When pressing the brake pedal, the driver pressurizes the hydraulic fluid, which activates the brakes. The operation of this system is controlled by Antilock Brake System (ABS) modules. This device uses system data to keep the vehicle from skidding by adjusting the brake pressure as needed to ensure optimum braking performance. 

On affected vehicles, the ABS module could receive inaccurate brake fluid pressure readings. In some cases, it may falsely appear as if the driver is pressing the brake. If that happens, it can be possible for the driver to start the engine or shift the transmission out of Park without pressing the brake pedal. 

Recall risks

Shifting out of Park can cause the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash, injury and property damage. 

Warning signs 

There will be no warning signs before the defect occurs. But once it does, there will be a range of brake/ABS-related warning lights on the dashboard. In addition, owners may notice that brake lights stay illuminated after turning off the vehicle. 

Other Stellantis recalls 

In April 2022, Stellantis recalled a batch of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs due to a child seat issue. In addition, the 2020-2021 Dodge Durango model-years were affected by a March 2022 recall caused by faulty indicators.

The repair

Currently, the manufacturer is still working on a solution for this problem, which should be available by the time the owners visit authorized dealers. Once available, the repair will be free of charge. 

Notifications to the owners will be sent on July 29, 2022. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Jeep and Dodge rollaway recall affects more than 200,000 SUVs. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Durango, Grand Cherokee SUVs that may roll away
Ford issues sweeping recall for C-Max, Edge cars that may roll away

Ford issues sweeping recall for C-Max, Edge cars that may roll away

June 26, 2022 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – June 26, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 2,925,968 vehicles that may roll away while in Park.

This is the fifth recall in the past four years due to this issue for some of the model-years involved. It comes on the heels of several reports of property damage and injuries associated with this defect.​​  

 The list of vehicles affected by this recall includes: 

  • 2013 – 2018 Ford C-Max
  • 2015 – 2018 Ford Edge
  • 2013 – 2019 Ford Escape 
  • 2013 – 2016 Ford Fusion
  • 2013 – 2021 Ford Transit Connect 

Recall summary  

A damaged or detached part called bushing may cause the gear shift lever to disconnect from the transmission. As a result, the transmission could fail to shift into the correct gear in response to the shifter. If the shifter is in the Park position but the transmission is not, the vehicle could roll away.

The component in question is the shift cable bushing, with component number 7E395. 

Background of the recall

This is the fifth time some of the model-years included in this recall are being recalled due to the same issue. The first recall occurred in 2018 and included the 2013-2014 Ford Escape and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles.  That recall was later expanded in 2019 as Ford identified “two distinct vehicle populations” with deteriorated bushings either due to a supplier error or unknown causes.

In May of this year, there was a Ford Escape recall due to deteriorated bushings, this time because of heat and humidity, as reported.

Finally, this recall follows the discovery of additional claims alleging failure of said bushings, as well property damage and injuries. The root cause is unknown but may be connected with heat and humidity just like in the May recall.

Warning signs 

Drivers may notice that the gear shift lever does not put the vehicle into the correct gear or that the dashboard instrument panel shows a different gear than the shifter position indicates. If the vehicle is turned off when the shifter is in Park but the transmission is in a different gear, the vehicle will not restart.

Recall risks

Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash, injury, and property damage. 

Other Ford recalls 

Among other relevant Ford Fusion Recalls, one from January 2022, caused by issues with the brake pedal, is the most recent. 

The 2022 Transit vans were just recalled due to malfunctioning instrument panel, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the affected bushings with a redesigned part and add a protective cap. This repair is free of charge. 

Notifications to owners will be sent on June 27, 2022. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This large-scale Ford rollaway recall affects almost three million vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord issues sweeping recall for C-Max, Edge cars that may roll away

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